Glaucoma Treatment

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma Treatment Hillsboro ORGlaucoma is an eye disease in which optic nerve damage leads to peripheral vision loss and eventually blurring of central vision.

Types of Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma (the most common form in the United States) occurs when microscopic changes in the drain of the eye (the trabecular meshwork) blocks the flow of fluid out of the eye. Elevated eye pressure is a risk factor for open angle glaucoma, but up to 30% of patients may have pressure within what is considered the normal range.

In primary angle closure glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork (drain within eye) is physically blocked because the front of the eye is crowded.

Is Vision Loss Caused By Glaucoma Reversible?

Unfortunately, it is not. Any vision already lost from glaucoma is permanent. This is why detecting early signs of Glaucoma are so important.

See What Our Patients Are Saying…

“I came to the HIllsboro Clinic to determine whether I had Glaucoma or not. I was very concerned when I came in on my first day. And I do have this illness. But now I feel at ease thanks to the kind, respectful and professional care of Dr. Scott, his assistants and staff at Hiillsboro Eye Cllinic. I have always received the best of eyecare and feel that the health of my eyes is well taken care of by someone I trust. I recenlty had a concern which required me to request an emergency appointment and it was tended to immediately. I highly recommend the Hillsboro Eye Clinic.” – L.B.

What are my Treatment Options for Glaucoma?

The only treatment available for glaucoma is the lowering of eye pressure to reduce the risk of future vision loss. Some cases of glaucoma can be treated with topical medications. For others, laser or traditional surgery is required to lower eye pressure.

Please see below for a few common glaucoma procedures:

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

– For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

– For patients with open angle glaucoma. Laser energy is applied to the trabecular meshwork which promotes remodeling of the meshwork and increases fluid drainage. SLT is effective in about 80% of patients and may be repeated up to 3-4 times.

Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy)

Eye Examination– For patients who have not been helped with laser surgery or medications. A new drainage passage is created by cutting a small hole in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and creating a collection pouch between the sclera and conjunctiva (the outer covering of the eye).

Tube Shunt Surgery

– May be recommended for patients with neovascular glaucoma, failed trabeculectomy, or susceptibility to developing scar tissue. A thin, flexible tube (a shunt) with a silicone pouch is inserted in the eye to facilitate drainage.

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about the various treatment options we provide for glaucoma, please schedule an appointment at our Hillsboro or Tanasbourne office today! Call 503.640.3708 or fill out the Email Contact Form below, and our staff will walk you through the appointment setup process. Our accomplished physicians look forward to serving you.

Schedule a Consultation Today

For more information on our services, call our office to make an appointment.

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